The Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway went into service on June 30, reducing the travelling time between the two cities from the previous 14 hours to around five.

The 1,318-km railway was built in a little over three years with a total investment of 221 billion yuan ($34 billion).

According to the Ministry of Railways, trains run at two speeds on the route, 250 km per hour and 300 km per hour. For the two speeds, the price of a one-way second-class seat for the whole journey is 555 yuan ($85) and 410 yuan ($63), respectively .

Beijing Review reporter Wei Yao made a trip from Beijing to Shanghai on June 27 aboard G1 train during a test run on the high-speed railway.

READY TO GO: An attendant inspects the platform before G1 train leaves the Beijing South Railway Station for Shanghai on June 27

NEW ARRIVAL: A train arrives at the Beijing South Railway Station after a test run on the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway on June 27

DIRECT RESPONSE: Attendants in a bar on G1 train solicit feedback from passengers during the test run on June 27

QUALITY SERVICE: Attendants serve tea and coffee to passengers

ENTERTAINMENT ONBOARD: Passengers can watch movies and other video programs on overhead screens in second-class coaches

HIGH-END EQUIPMENT: Passengers in the business-class coach enjoy the view

GETTING CONNECTED: A passenger surfs the Internet on G1 train during the test run on June 27